Final answer:
The most significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus is obesity, with a strong correlation between excessive weight and the incidence of the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus is obesity. Obesity is a major concern because it is often associated with increased fat mass or an increased number of fat cells, which can lead to insulin resistance. This condition is where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. Furthermore, approximately 80 to 90 percent of individuals with type 2 diabetes are either overweight or obese, which underscores the strong correlation between obesity and the risk of developing this type of diabetes.
It is also important to note that while other factors such as cigarette smoking, a high-cholesterol diet, and hypertension are significant health concerns, they do not carry the same level of risk for type 2 diabetes as obesity does. In contrast, obesity can be considered the root cause of a majority of type 2 diabetes cases, increasing inflammation and the risk of blood clots, and altering the body's metabolism and response to insulin. Proper management of type 2 diabetes includes lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, which may help reduce blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.